Sage 100

Customer with need of generating specific Financial Reports and Consolidated....which of the two resources would you prefer???

------------------------------
Lourdes Sobrino
LU² DSD Puerto Rico
Guaynabo Puerto Rico
787.485.9638
------------------------------

Sage Intelligence is included with almost all versions of Sage licenses. Last I checked it was $99/mo for a subscription should you need unlimited licensing ( viewer & designer ? )

I have always led with the included SI so as to avoid the “why did we buy x when SI is included?”

9.5 out of 10 of my customers declined any setup assistance. About 50% seem to regret it. One went so far as to hire some independent ( overseas? ) group to set up their reports. They’re now paying another $8,000 to fix that mistake…


Pros
- included
- it’s Excel so it must be easy
- no additional var fee to resell
- lots of experienced users for questions

Cons
- Sage seems to have fallen out of love with the product and I question it’s long term future
- it’s Excel which means people design Frankenstein-spreadsheets
- it can be slow
- it’s Excel - setup ( surprisingly ) can be finicky ( not always but enough to be annoying )
- customers view it as DIY and they won’t call until “the car is almost over the cliff” then you’ll become the unpaid search and rescue ( unless you spent some time up front giving them options for your assistance and speaking out your rescue fee)
- pricing and capabilities are confusing as to what features are included and what’s extra - so you’ll probably end up on the $99 a month plan ( spoiler: Sage is hit or miss on explaining this too )
- it’s Excel - no customer feels like they should pay you for helping them with Excel — whether it’s the initial research, the setup or the debugging



---------------------------------
Wayne Schulz - Schulz Consulting - 860-516-8990
---------------------------------

Good synopsis @Wayne Schulz.  We've been pretty successful with SI for financials with our clients.  We still have a couple of F9 holdouts.​

------------------------------
alan niergarth
Velosio LLC
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 07-01-2021 09:07
From: Wayne Schulz
Subject: Financial Reporting Sage Intelligence vs Sage Data & Analytics

Sage Intelligence is included with almost all versions of Sage licenses. Last I checked it was $99/mo for a subscription should you need unlimited licensing ( viewer & designer ? )

I have always led with the included SI so as to avoid the "why did we buy x when SI is included?"

9.5 out of 10 of my customers declined any setup assistance. About 50% seem to regret it. One went so far as to hire some independent ( overseas? ) group to set up their reports. They're now paying another $8,000 to fix that mistake…


Pros
- included
- it's Excel so it must be easy
- no additional var fee to resell
- lots of experienced users for questions

Cons
- Sage seems to have fallen out of love with the product and I question it's long term future
- it's Excel which means people design Frankenstein-spreadsheets
- it can be slow
- it's Excel - setup ( surprisingly ) can be finicky ( not always but enough to be annoying )
- customers view it as DIY and they won't call until "the car is almost over the cliff" then you'll become the unpaid search and rescue ( unless you spent some time up front giving them options for your assistance and speaking out your rescue fee)
- pricing and capabilities are confusing as to what features are included and what's extra - so you'll probably end up on the $99 a month plan ( spoiler: Sage is hit or miss on explaining this too )
- it's Excel - no customer feels like they should pay you for helping them with Excel - whether it's the initial research, the setup or the debugging



---------------------------------
Wayne Schulz - Schulz Consulting - 860-516-8990
---------------------------------

Just wanted a confirmation....taking the SI Financials training over the weekend....

------------------------------
Lourdes Sobrino
LU² DSD Puerto Rico
Guaynabo Puerto Rico
787.485.9638
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 07-02-2021 10:48
From: alan niergarth
Subject: Financial Reporting Sage Intelligence vs Sage Data & Analytics

Good synopsis @Wayne Schulz.  We've been pretty successful with SI for financials with our clients.  We still have a couple of F9 holdouts.​

------------------------------
alan niergarth
Velosio LLC
------------------------------


Original Message:
Sent: 07-01-2021 09:07
From: Wayne Schulz
Subject: Financial Reporting Sage Intelligence vs Sage Data & Analytics

Sage Intelligence is included with almost all versions of Sage licenses. Last I checked it was $99/mo for a subscription should you need unlimited licensing ( viewer & designer ? )

I have always led with the included SI so as to avoid the "why did we buy x when SI is included?"

9.5 out of 10 of my customers declined any setup assistance. About 50% seem to regret it. One went so far as to hire some independent ( overseas? ) group to set up their reports. They're now paying another $8,000 to fix that mistake…


Pros
- included
- it's Excel so it must be easy
- no additional var fee to resell
- lots of experienced users for questions

Cons
- Sage seems to have fallen out of love with the product and I question it's long term future
- it's Excel which means people design Frankenstein-spreadsheets
- it can be slow
- it's Excel - setup ( surprisingly ) can be finicky ( not always but enough to be annoying )
- customers view it as DIY and they won't call until "the car is almost over the cliff" then you'll become the unpaid search and rescue ( unless you spent some time up front giving them options for your assistance and speaking out your rescue fee)
- pricing and capabilities are confusing as to what features are included and what's extra - so you'll probably end up on the $99 a month plan ( spoiler: Sage is hit or miss on explaining this too )
- it's Excel - no customer feels like they should pay you for helping them with Excel - whether it's the initial research, the setup or the debugging



---------------------------------
Wayne Schulz - Schulz Consulting - 860-516-8990

@Lourdes Sobrino I took the SI live courses ( Int and Adv ) at Sage U and felt like they got me 90% to where I was comfortable working with the solution. It definitely gives you enough to demo it. That last 10% of knowledge all comes from having some in-depth projects that you are involved with. Unfortunately, I haven't had customers who wanted to pay me for developing reports for them.


------------------------------
Wayne Schulz - Schulz Consulting - 860-516-8990
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 07-02-2021 10:53
From: Lourdes Sobrino
Subject: Financial Reporting Sage Intelligence vs Sage Data & Analytics

Just wanted a confirmation....taking the SI Financials training over the weekend....

------------------------------
Lourdes Sobrino
LU² DSD Puerto Rico
Guaynabo Puerto Rico
787.485.9638
------------------------------


Original Message:
Sent: 07-02-2021 10:48
From: alan niergarth
Subject: Financial Reporting Sage Intelligence vs Sage Data & Analytics

Good synopsis @Wayne Schulz.  We've been pretty successful with SI for financials with our clients.  We still have a couple of F9 holdouts.​

------------------------------
alan niergarth
Velosio LLC


Original Message:
Sent: 07-01-2021 09:07
From: Wayne Schulz
Subject: Financial Reporting Sage Intelligence vs Sage Data & Analytics

Sage Intelligence is included with almost all versions of Sage licenses. Last I checked it was $99/mo for a subscription should you need unlimited licensing ( viewer & designer ? )

I have always led with the included SI so as to avoid the "why did we buy x when SI is included?"

9.5 out of 10 of my customers declined any setup assistance. About 50% seem to regret it. One went so far as to hire some independent ( overseas? ) group to set up their reports. They're now paying another $8,000 to fix that mistake…


Pros
- included
- it's Excel so it must be easy
- no additional var fee to resell
- lots of experienced users for questions

Cons
- Sage seems to have fallen out of love with the product and I question it's long term future
- it's Excel which means people design Frankenstein-spreadsheets
- it can be slow
- it's Excel - setup ( surprisingly ) can be finicky ( not always but enough to be annoying )
- customers view it as DIY and they won't call until "the car is almost over the cliff" then you'll become the unpaid search and rescue ( unless you spent some time up front giving them options for your assistance and speaking out your rescue fee)
- pricing and capabilities are confusing as to what features are included and what's extra - so you'll probably end up on the $99 a month plan ( spoiler: Sage is hit or miss on explaining this too )
- it's Excel - no customer feels like they should pay you for helping them with Excel - whether it's the initial research, the setup or the debugging



---------------------------------
Wayne Schulz - Schulz Consulting - 860-516-8990

I'm curious what our Group has be seeing as far as what folks are using instead of Sage Intelligence (SI), e.g. BizInsight/BizNet, Renovo, F9, FRx, 'standard' Financials in Sage 100, 'custom financials' in Sage 100, Excel...

------------------------------
Brett Zimmerman
Net at Work
Greater Boston Area
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 07-02-2021 11:34
From: Wayne Schulz
Subject: Financial Reporting Sage Intelligence vs Sage Data & Analytics

@Lourdes Sobrino I took the SI live courses ( Int and Adv ) at Sage U and felt like they got me 90% to where I was comfortable working with the solution. It definitely gives you enough to demo it. That last 10% of knowledge all comes from having some in-depth projects that you are involved with. Unfortunately, I haven't had customers who wanted to pay me for developing reports for them.


------------------------------
Wayne Schulz - Schulz Consulting - 860-516-8990
------------------------------


Original Message:
Sent: 07-02-2021 10:53
From: Lourdes Sobrino
Subject: Financial Reporting Sage Intelligence vs Sage Data & Analytics

Just wanted a confirmation....taking the SI Financials training over the weekend....

------------------------------
Lourdes Sobrino
LU² DSD Puerto Rico
Guaynabo Puerto Rico
787.485.9638


Original Message:
Sent: 07-02-2021 10:48
From: alan niergarth
Subject: Financial Reporting Sage Intelligence vs Sage Data & Analytics

Good synopsis @Wayne Schulz.  We've been pretty successful with SI for financials with our clients.  We still have a couple of F9 holdouts.​

------------------------------
alan niergarth
Velosio LLC


Original Message:
Sent: 07-01-2021 09:07
From: Wayne Schulz
Subject: Financial Reporting Sage Intelligence vs Sage Data & Analytics

Sage Intelligence is included with almost all versions of Sage licenses. Last I checked it was $99/mo for a subscription should you need unlimited licensing ( viewer & designer ? )

I have always led with the included SI so as to avoid the "why did we buy x when SI is included?"

9.5 out of 10 of my customers declined any setup assistance. About 50% seem to regret it. One went so far as to hire some independent ( overseas? ) group to set up their reports. They're now paying another $8,000 to fix that mistake…


Pros
- included
- it's Excel so it must be easy
- no additional var fee to resell
- lots of experienced users for questions

Cons
- Sage seems to have fallen out of love with the product and I question it's long term future
- it's Excel which means people design Frankenstein-spreadsheets
- it can be slow
- it's Excel - setup ( surprisingly ) can be finicky ( not always but enough to be annoying )
- customers view it as DIY and they won't call until "the car is almost over the cliff" then you'll become the unpaid search and rescue ( unless you spent some time up front giving them options for your assistance and speaking out your rescue fee)
- pricing and capabilities are confusing as to what features are included and what's extra - so you'll probably end up on the $99 a month plan ( spoiler: Sage is hit or miss on explaining this too )
- it's Excel - no customer feels like they should pay you for helping them with Excel - whether it's the initial research, the setup or the debugging



---------------------------------
Wayne Schulz - Schulz Consulting - 860-516-8990

@Brett Zimmerman - 5% old custom financials from folks on Sage forever, 5% Biznet, 30% SI, 60% either standard financials or Excel but have never mentioned it.  I always ask on an inherited client and have moved some folks from Excel to SI.  ​

------------------------------
Beth Bowers
Mom to Samson, Peanut, ChiChi, Canton, Cagney and Daisy (NO Oxford comma - shriek!)
Tennessee Software Solutions
269-445-1625
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 10-11-2021 16:48
From: Brett Zimmerman
Subject: Financial Reporting Sage Intelligence vs Sage Data & Analytics

I'm curious what our Group has be seeing as far as what folks are using instead of Sage Intelligence (SI), e.g. BizInsight/BizNet, Renovo, F9, FRx, 'standard' Financials in Sage 100, 'custom financials' in Sage 100, Excel...

------------------------------
Brett Zimmerman
Net at Work
Greater Boston Area
------------------------------


Original Message:
Sent: 07-02-2021 11:34
From: Wayne Schulz
Subject: Financial Reporting Sage Intelligence vs Sage Data & Analytics

@Lourdes Sobrino I took the SI live courses ( Int and Adv ) at Sage U and felt like they got me 90% to where I was comfortable working with the solution. It definitely gives you enough to demo it. That last 10% of knowledge all comes from having some in-depth projects that you are involved with. Unfortunately, I haven't had customers who wanted to pay me for developing reports for them.


------------------------------
Wayne Schulz - Schulz Consulting - 860-516-8990


Original Message:
Sent: 07-02-2021 10:53
From: Lourdes Sobrino
Subject: Financial Reporting Sage Intelligence vs Sage Data & Analytics

Just wanted a confirmation....taking the SI Financials training over the weekend....

------------------------------
Lourdes Sobrino
LU² DSD Puerto Rico
Guaynabo Puerto Rico
787.485.9638


Original Message:
Sent: 07-02-2021 10:48
From: alan niergarth
Subject: Financial Reporting Sage Intelligence vs Sage Data & Analytics

Good synopsis @Wayne Schulz.  We've been pretty successful with SI for financials with our clients.  We still have a couple of F9 holdouts.​

------------------------------
alan niergarth
Velosio LLC


Original Message:
Sent: 07-01-2021 09:07
From: Wayne Schulz
Subject: Financial Reporting Sage Intelligence vs Sage Data & Analytics

Sage Intelligence is included with almost all versions of Sage licenses. Last I checked it was $99/mo for a subscription should you need unlimited licensing ( viewer & designer ? )

I have always led with the included SI so as to avoid the "why did we buy x when SI is included?"

9.5 out of 10 of my customers declined any setup assistance. About 50% seem to regret it. One went so far as to hire some independent ( overseas? ) group to set up their reports. They're now paying another $8,000 to fix that mistake…


Pros
- included
- it's Excel so it must be easy
- no additional var fee to resell
- lots of experienced users for questions

Cons
- Sage seems to have fallen out of love with the product and I question it's long term future
- it's Excel which means people design Frankenstein-spreadsheets
- it can be slow
- it's Excel - setup ( surprisingly ) can be finicky ( not always but enough to be annoying )
- customers view it as DIY and they won't call until "the car is almost over the cliff" then you'll become the unpaid search and rescue ( unless you spent some time up front giving them options for your assistance and speaking out your rescue fee)
- pricing and capabilities are confusing as to what features are included and what's extra - so you'll probably end up on the $99 a month plan ( spoiler: Sage is hit or miss on explaining this too )
- it's Excel - no customer feels like they should pay you for helping them with Excel - whether it's the initial research, the setup or the debugging



---------------------------------
Wayne Schulz - Schulz Consulting - 860-516-8990

We initially had users go to BizInsight but have since switched all of them to Sage Intelligence because it was difficult to justify them having to pay annual fees when the SI licenses are free.  Of course now it sounds like Sage is looking for a replacement for it.  Grumble grumble grumble.  We still have about 20 holdouts refusing to get off of the old Custom Financials.

------------------------------
Mary Jo Krueger
Senior Software Consultant
CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen LLP)
Appleton WI
920-996-1176
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 10-11-2021 16:48
From: Brett Zimmerman
Subject: Financial Reporting Sage Intelligence vs Sage Data & Analytics

I'm curious what our Group has be seeing as far as what folks are using instead of Sage Intelligence (SI), e.g. BizInsight/BizNet, Renovo, F9, FRx, 'standard' Financials in Sage 100, 'custom financials' in Sage 100, Excel...

------------------------------
Brett Zimmerman
Net at Work
Greater Boston Area
------------------------------


Original Message:
Sent: 07-02-2021 11:34
From: Wayne Schulz
Subject: Financial Reporting Sage Intelligence vs Sage Data & Analytics

@Lourdes Sobrino I took the SI live courses ( Int and Adv ) at Sage U and felt like they got me 90% to where I was comfortable working with the solution. It definitely gives you enough to demo it. That last 10% of knowledge all comes from having some in-depth projects that you are involved with. Unfortunately, I haven't had customers who wanted to pay me for developing reports for them.


------------------------------
Wayne Schulz - Schulz Consulting - 860-516-8990


Original Message:
Sent: 07-02-2021 10:53
From: Lourdes Sobrino
Subject: Financial Reporting Sage Intelligence vs Sage Data & Analytics

Just wanted a confirmation....taking the SI Financials training over the weekend....

------------------------------
Lourdes Sobrino
LU² DSD Puerto Rico
Guaynabo Puerto Rico
787.485.9638


Original Message:
Sent: 07-02-2021 10:48
From: alan niergarth
Subject: Financial Reporting Sage Intelligence vs Sage Data & Analytics

Good synopsis @Wayne Schulz.  We've been pretty successful with SI for financials with our clients.  We still have a couple of F9 holdouts.​

------------------------------
alan niergarth
Velosio LLC


Original Message:
Sent: 07-01-2021 09:07
From: Wayne Schulz
Subject: Financial Reporting Sage Intelligence vs Sage Data & Analytics

Sage Intelligence is included with almost all versions of Sage licenses. Last I checked it was $99/mo for a subscription should you need unlimited licensing ( viewer & designer ? )

I have always led with the included SI so as to avoid the "why did we buy x when SI is included?"

9.5 out of 10 of my customers declined any setup assistance. About 50% seem to regret it. One went so far as to hire some independent ( overseas? ) group to set up their reports. They're now paying another $8,000 to fix that mistake…


Pros
- included
- it's Excel so it must be easy
- no additional var fee to resell
- lots of experienced users for questions

Cons
- Sage seems to have fallen out of love with the product and I question it's long term future
- it's Excel which means people design Frankenstein-spreadsheets
- it can be slow
- it's Excel - setup ( surprisingly ) can be finicky ( not always but enough to be annoying )
- customers view it as DIY and they won't call until "the car is almost over the cliff" then you'll become the unpaid search and rescue ( unless you spent some time up front giving them options for your assistance and speaking out your rescue fee)
- pricing and capabilities are confusing as to what features are included and what's extra - so you'll probably end up on the $99 a month plan ( spoiler: Sage is hit or miss on explaining this too )
- it's Excel - no customer feels like they should pay you for helping them with Excel - whether it's the initial research, the setup or the debugging



---------------------------------
Wayne Schulz - Schulz Consulting - 860-516-8990

Same as Beth and Mary Jo. I am hesitant to recommend a paid solutions when SI is provided free. I definitely get the vibe that SI is being re-evaluated as to whether it will continue to be an included/supported product.

---------------------------------
Wayne Schulz
Schulz Consulting
860-516-8990
---------------------------------



Original Message:
Sent: 10-11-2021
From: Brett Zimmerman
Subject: RE: Financial Reporting Sage Intelligence vs Sage Data & Analytics

I'm curious what our Group has be seeing as far as what folks are using instead of Sage Intelligence (SI), e.g. BizInsight/BizNet, Renovo, F9, FRx, 'standard' Financials in Sage 100, 'custom financials' in Sage 100, Excel...

------------------------------
Brett Zimmerman
Net at Work
Greater Boston Area
------------------------------


Original Message:
Sent: 07-02-2021 11:34
From: Wayne Schulz
Subject: Financial Reporting Sage Intelligence vs Sage Data & Analytics

@Lourdes Sobrino I took the SI live courses ( Int and Adv ) at Sage U and felt like they got me 90% to where I was comfortable working with the solution. It definitely gives you enough to demo it. That last 10% of knowledge all comes from having some in-depth projects that you are involved with. Unfortunately, I haven't had customers who wanted to pay me for developing reports for them.


------------------------------
Wayne Schulz - Schulz Consulting - 860-516-8990
------------------------------


Original Message:
Sent: 07-02-2021 10:53
From: Lourdes Sobrino
Subject: Financial Reporting Sage Intelligence vs Sage Data & Analytics

Just wanted a confirmation....taking the SI Financials training over the weekend....

------------------------------
Lourdes Sobrino
LU² DSD Puerto Rico
Guaynabo Puerto Rico
787.485.9638


Original Message:
Sent: 07-02-2021 10:48
From: alan niergarth
Subject: Financial Reporting Sage Intelligence vs Sage Data & Analytics

Good synopsis @Wayne Schulz.  We've been pretty successful with SI for financials with our clients.  We still have a couple of F9 holdouts.​

------------------------------
alan niergarth
Velosio LLC

We have a few companies using F9 (half dozen?) instead of SI.  The remainder use either the Standard Financials or SI.  No-one has bought F9 new in the last 5 years.  All holdouts from the past.  Slight change of subject - What about Budgeting?  There is a gap there.

------------------------------
alan niergarth
Velosio LLC
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 10-11-2021 16:48
From: Brett Zimmerman
Subject: Financial Reporting Sage Intelligence vs Sage Data & Analytics

I'm curious what our Group has be seeing as far as what folks are using instead of Sage Intelligence (SI), e.g. BizInsight/BizNet, Renovo, F9, FRx, 'standard' Financials in Sage 100, 'custom financials' in Sage 100, Excel...

------------------------------
Brett Zimmerman
Net at Work
Greater Boston Area
------------------------------


Original Message:
Sent: 07-02-2021 11:34
From: Wayne Schulz
Subject: Financial Reporting Sage Intelligence vs Sage Data & Analytics

@Lourdes Sobrino I took the SI live courses ( Int and Adv ) at Sage U and felt like they got me 90% to where I was comfortable working with the solution. It definitely gives you enough to demo it. That last 10% of knowledge all comes from having some in-depth projects that you are involved with. Unfortunately, I haven't had customers who wanted to pay me for developing reports for them.


------------------------------
Wayne Schulz - Schulz Consulting - 860-516-8990


Original Message:
Sent: 07-02-2021 10:53
From: Lourdes Sobrino
Subject: Financial Reporting Sage Intelligence vs Sage Data & Analytics

Just wanted a confirmation....taking the SI Financials training over the weekend....

------------------------------
Lourdes Sobrino
LU² DSD Puerto Rico
Guaynabo Puerto Rico
787.485.9638


Original Message:
Sent: 07-02-2021 10:48
From: alan niergarth
Subject: Financial Reporting Sage Intelligence vs Sage Data & Analytics

Good synopsis @Wayne Schulz.  We've been pretty successful with SI for financials with our clients.  We still have a couple of F9 holdouts.​

------------------------------
alan niergarth
Velosio LLC


Original Message:
Sent: 07-01-2021 09:07
From: Wayne Schulz
Subject: Financial Reporting Sage Intelligence vs Sage Data & Analytics

Sage Intelligence is included with almost all versions of Sage licenses. Last I checked it was $99/mo for a subscription should you need unlimited licensing ( viewer & designer ? )

I have always led with the included SI so as to avoid the "why did we buy x when SI is included?"

9.5 out of 10 of my customers declined any setup assistance. About 50% seem to regret it. One went so far as to hire some independent ( overseas? ) group to set up their reports. They're now paying another $8,000 to fix that mistake…


Pros
- included
- it's Excel so it must be easy
- no additional var fee to resell
- lots of experienced users for questions

Cons
- Sage seems to have fallen out of love with the product and I question it's long term future
- it's Excel which means people design Frankenstein-spreadsheets
- it can be slow
- it's Excel - setup ( surprisingly ) can be finicky ( not always but enough to be annoying )
- customers view it as DIY and they won't call until "the car is almost over the cliff" then you'll become the unpaid search and rescue ( unless you spent some time up front giving them options for your assistance and speaking out your rescue fee)
- pricing and capabilities are confusing as to what features are included and what's extra - so you'll probably end up on the $99 a month plan ( spoiler: Sage is hit or miss on explaining this too )
- it's Excel - no customer feels like they should pay you for helping them with Excel - whether it's the initial research, the setup or the debugging



---------------------------------
Wayne Schulz - Schulz Consulting - 860-516-8990

@alan niergarth Do you know if F9 still works with Sage 100 v2021?  We have a customer (I use that term loosely) who teases us with upgrading every few years and then goes dark.  They are currently running v4.30, and they claim to be serious "this time".  They have F9 and a lot of reports.  I told the customer I don't know if F9 works with v2021, and we have zero experience with it.  If it does still work, the plan is to perform the upgrade and let the customer deal with F9.  If F9 does not work out, then we can convert all the reports to SI.  Any feedback or insight is much appreciated.​

------------------------------
Brian Kelly
Accounting Systems, Inc. (ASI)
Columbia SC
803-454-6262
http://www.asifocus.com/
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 10-12-2021 16:39
From: alan niergarth
Subject: Financial Reporting Sage Intelligence vs Sage Data & Analytics

We have a few companies using F9 (half dozen?) instead of SI.  The remainder use either the Standard Financials or SI.  No-one has bought F9 new in the last 5 years.  All holdouts from the past.  Slight change of subject - What about Budgeting?  There is a gap there.

------------------------------
alan niergarth
Velosio LLC
------------------------------


Original Message:
Sent: 10-11-2021 16:48
From: Brett Zimmerman
Subject: Financial Reporting Sage Intelligence vs Sage Data & Analytics

I'm curious what our Group has be seeing as far as what folks are using instead of Sage Intelligence (SI), e.g. BizInsight/BizNet, Renovo, F9, FRx, 'standard' Financials in Sage 100, 'custom financials' in Sage 100, Excel...

------------------------------
Brett Zimmerman
Net at Work
Greater Boston Area


Original Message:
Sent: 07-02-2021 11:34
From: Wayne Schulz
Subject: Financial Reporting Sage Intelligence vs Sage Data & Analytics

@Lourdes Sobrino I took the SI live courses ( Int and Adv ) at Sage U and felt like they got me 90% to where I was comfortable working with the solution. It definitely gives you enough to demo it. That last 10% of knowledge all comes from having some in-depth projects that you are involved with. Unfortunately, I haven't had customers who wanted to pay me for developing reports for them.


------------------------------
Wayne Schulz - Schulz Consulting - 860-516-8990


Original Message:
Sent: 07-02-2021 10:53
From: Lourdes Sobrino
Subject: Financial Reporting Sage Intelligence vs Sage Data & Analytics

Just wanted a confirmation....taking the SI Financials training over the weekend....

------------------------------
Lourdes Sobrino
LU² DSD Puerto Rico
Guaynabo Puerto Rico
787.485.9638


Original Message:
Sent: 07-02-2021 10:48
From: alan niergarth
Subject: Financial Reporting Sage Intelligence vs Sage Data & Analytics

Good synopsis @Wayne Schulz.  We've been pretty successful with SI for financials with our clients.  We still have a couple of F9 holdouts.​

------------------------------
alan niergarth
Velosio LLC


Original Message:
Sent: 07-01-2021 09:07
From: Wayne Schulz
Subject: Financial Reporting Sage Intelligence vs Sage Data & Analytics

Sage Intelligence is included with almost all versions of Sage licenses. Last I checked it was $99/mo for a subscription should you need unlimited licensing ( viewer & designer ? )

I have always led with the included SI so as to avoid the "why did we buy x when SI is included?"

9.5 out of 10 of my customers declined any setup assistance. About 50% seem to regret it. One went so far as to hire some independent ( overseas? ) group to set up their reports. They're now paying another $8,000 to fix that mistake…


Pros
- included
- it's Excel so it must be easy
- no additional var fee to resell
- lots of experienced users for questions

Cons
- Sage seems to have fallen out of love with the product and I question it's long term future
- it's Excel which means people design Frankenstein-spreadsheets
- it can be slow
- it's Excel - setup ( surprisingly ) can be finicky ( not always but enough to be annoying )
- customers view it as DIY and they won't call until "the car is almost over the cliff" then you'll become the unpaid search and rescue ( unless you spent some time up front giving them options for your assistance and speaking out your rescue fee)
- pricing and capabilities are confusing as to what features are included and what's extra - so you'll probably end up on the $99 a month plan ( spoiler: Sage is hit or miss on explaining this too )
- it's Excel - no customer feels like they should pay you for helping them with Excel - whether it's the initial research, the setup or the debugging



---------------------------------
Wayne Schulz - Schulz Consulting - 860-516-8990

@Brian Kelly  Check out this web site.  It indicates F9 is supported in Sage 100 v2021 and you can download a free trial.  I used to work with F9 a lot but stopped when other alternatives became available.  I always liked it and wouldn't hesitate to use it again particularly if Sage stops supporting SI.

https://www.f9.com/erps/erp-sage
​

------------------------------
Doug Higgs
Midwest Commerce Solutions, Inc
(312) 315-0960
Chauffeur, Chef, and Personal Assistant to Sprinkles
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 11-16-2021 09:21
From: Brian Kelly
Subject: Financial Reporting Sage Intelligence vs Sage Data & Analytics

@alan niergarth Do you know if F9 still works with Sage 100 v2021?  We have a customer (I use that term loosely) who teases us with upgrading every few years and then goes dark.  They are currently running v4.30, and they claim to be serious "this time".  They have F9 and a lot of reports.  I told the customer I don't know if F9 works with v2021, and we have zero experience with it.  If it does still work, the plan is to perform the upgrade and let the customer deal with F9.  If F9 does not work out, then we can convert all the reports to SI.  Any feedback or insight is much appreciated.​

------------------------------
Brian Kelly
Accounting Systems, Inc. (ASI)
Columbia SC
803-454-6262
http://www.asifocus.com/
------------------------------


Original Message:
Sent: 10-12-2021 16:39
From: alan niergarth
Subject: Financial Reporting Sage Intelligence vs Sage Data & Analytics

We have a few companies using F9 (half dozen?) instead of SI.  The remainder use either the Standard Financials or SI.  No-one has bought F9 new in the last 5 years.  All holdouts from the past.  Slight change of subject - What about Budgeting?  There is a gap there.

------------------------------
alan niergarth
Velosio LLC


Original Message:
Sent: 10-11-2021 16:48
From: Brett Zimmerman
Subject: Financial Reporting Sage Intelligence vs Sage Data & Analytics

I'm curious what our Group has be seeing as far as what folks are using instead of Sage Intelligence (SI), e.g. BizInsight/BizNet, Renovo, F9, FRx, 'standard' Financials in Sage 100, 'custom financials' in Sage 100, Excel...

------------------------------
Brett Zimmerman
Net at Work
Greater Boston Area


Original Message:
Sent: 07-02-2021 11:34
From: Wayne Schulz
Subject: Financial Reporting Sage Intelligence vs Sage Data & Analytics

@Lourdes Sobrino I took the SI live courses ( Int and Adv ) at Sage U and felt like they got me 90% to where I was comfortable working with the solution. It definitely gives you enough to demo it. That last 10% of knowledge all comes from having some in-depth projects that you are involved with. Unfortunately, I haven't had customers who wanted to pay me for developing reports for them.


------------------------------
Wayne Schulz - Schulz Consulting - 860-516-8990


Original Message:
Sent: 07-02-2021 10:53
From: Lourdes Sobrino
Subject: Financial Reporting Sage Intelligence vs Sage Data & Analytics

Just wanted a confirmation....taking the SI Financials training over the weekend....

------------------------------
Lourdes Sobrino
LU² DSD Puerto Rico
Guaynabo Puerto Rico
787.485.9638


Original Message:
Sent: 07-02-2021 10:48
From: alan niergarth
Subject: Financial Reporting Sage Intelligence vs Sage Data & Analytics

Good synopsis @Wayne Schulz.  We've been pretty successful with SI for financials with our clients.  We still have a couple of F9 holdouts.​

------------------------------
alan niergarth
Velosio LLC


Original Message:
Sent: 07-01-2021 09:07
From: Wayne Schulz
Subject: Financial Reporting Sage Intelligence vs Sage Data & Analytics

Sage Intelligence is included with almost all versions of Sage licenses. Last I checked it was $99/mo for a subscription should you need unlimited licensing ( viewer & designer ? )

I have always led with the included SI so as to avoid the "why did we buy x when SI is included?"

9.5 out of 10 of my customers declined any setup assistance. About 50% seem to regret it. One went so far as to hire some independent ( overseas? ) group to set up their reports. They're now paying another $8,000 to fix that mistake…


Pros
- included
- it's Excel so it must be easy
- no additional var fee to resell
- lots of experienced users for questions

Cons
- Sage seems to have fallen out of love with the product and I question it's long term future
- it's Excel which means people design Frankenstein-spreadsheets
- it can be slow
- it's Excel - setup ( surprisingly ) can be finicky ( not always but enough to be annoying )
- customers view it as DIY and they won't call until "the car is almost over the cliff" then you'll become the unpaid search and rescue ( unless you spent some time up front giving them options for your assistance and speaking out your rescue fee)
- pricing and capabilities are confusing as to what features are included and what's extra - so you'll probably end up on the $99 a month plan ( spoiler: Sage is hit or miss on explaining this too )
- it's Excel - no customer feels like they should pay you for helping them with Excel - whether it's the initial research, the setup or the debugging



---------------------------------
Wayne Schulz - Schulz Consulting - 860-516-8990

Thank you @Wayne Schulz and @Doug Higgs - this is extremely helpful, and it appears to validate my message to the customer (whenever I deliver it).  Also, since SI and F9 are both Excel-based reporting tools, I'm guessing converting the reports to SI could be done by simply changing all the formulas in the F9 template and saving it as an SI template/report.  My feeling is that rewriting the reports will probably take just as much time, so it probably doesn't really matter.​​

------------------------------
Brian Kelly
Accounting Systems, Inc. (ASI)
Columbia SC
803-454-6262
http://www.asifocus.com/
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 11-16-2021 09:29
From: Doug Higgs
Subject: Financial Reporting Sage Intelligence vs Sage Data & Analytics

@Brian Kelly  Check out this web site.  It indicates F9 is supported in Sage 100 v2021 and you can download a free trial.  I used to work with F9 a lot but stopped when other alternatives became available.  I always liked it and wouldn't hesitate to use it again particularly if Sage stops supporting SI.

https://www.f9.com/erps/erp-sage
​

------------------------------
Doug Higgs
Midwest Commerce Solutions, Inc
(312) 315-0960
Chauffeur, Chef, and Personal Assistant to Sprinkles
------------------------------


Original Message:
Sent: 11-16-2021 09:21
From: Brian Kelly
Subject: Financial Reporting Sage Intelligence vs Sage Data & Analytics

@alan niergarth Do you know if F9 still works with Sage 100 v2021?  We have a customer (I use that term loosely) who teases us with upgrading every few years and then goes dark.  They are currently running v4.30, and they claim to be serious "this time".  They have F9 and a lot of reports.  I told the customer I don't know if F9 works with v2021, and we have zero experience with it.  If it does still work, the plan is to perform the upgrade and let the customer deal with F9.  If F9 does not work out, then we can convert all the reports to SI.  Any feedback or insight is much appreciated.​

------------------------------
Brian Kelly
Accounting Systems, Inc. (ASI)
Columbia SC
803-454-6262
http://www.asifocus.com/


Original Message:
Sent: 10-12-2021 16:39
From: alan niergarth
Subject: Financial Reporting Sage Intelligence vs Sage Data & Analytics

We have a few companies using F9 (half dozen?) instead of SI.  The remainder use either the Standard Financials or SI.  No-one has bought F9 new in the last 5 years.  All holdouts from the past.  Slight change of subject - What about Budgeting?  There is a gap there.

------------------------------
alan niergarth
Velosio LLC


Original Message:
Sent: 10-11-2021 16:48
From: Brett Zimmerman
Subject: Financial Reporting Sage Intelligence vs Sage Data & Analytics

I'm curious what our Group has be seeing as far as what folks are using instead of Sage Intelligence (SI), e.g. BizInsight/BizNet, Renovo, F9, FRx, 'standard' Financials in Sage 100, 'custom financials' in Sage 100, Excel...

------------------------------
Brett Zimmerman
Net at Work
Greater Boston Area


Original Message:
Sent: 07-02-2021 11:34
From: Wayne Schulz
Subject: Financial Reporting Sage Intelligence vs Sage Data & Analytics

@Lourdes Sobrino I took the SI live courses ( Int and Adv ) at Sage U and felt like they got me 90% to where I was comfortable working with the solution. It definitely gives you enough to demo it. That last 10% of knowledge all comes from having some in-depth projects that you are involved with. Unfortunately, I haven't had customers who wanted to pay me for developing reports for them.


------------------------------
Wayne Schulz - Schulz Consulting - 860-516-8990


Original Message:
Sent: 07-02-2021 10:53
From: Lourdes Sobrino
Subject: Financial Reporting Sage Intelligence vs Sage Data & Analytics

Just wanted a confirmation....taking the SI Financials training over the weekend....

------------------------------
Lourdes Sobrino
LU² DSD Puerto Rico
Guaynabo Puerto Rico
787.485.9638


Original Message:
Sent: 07-02-2021 10:48
From: alan niergarth
Subject: Financial Reporting Sage Intelligence vs Sage Data & Analytics

Good synopsis @Wayne Schulz.  We've been pretty successful with SI for financials with our clients.  We still have a couple of F9 holdouts.​

------------------------------
alan niergarth
Velosio LLC


Original Message:
Sent: 07-01-2021 09:07
From: Wayne Schulz
Subject: Financial Reporting Sage Intelligence vs Sage Data & Analytics

Sage Intelligence is included with almost all versions of Sage licenses. Last I checked it was $99/mo for a subscription should you need unlimited licensing ( viewer & designer ? )

I have always led with the included SI so as to avoid the "why did we buy x when SI is included?"

9.5 out of 10 of my customers declined any setup assistance. About 50% seem to regret it. One went so far as to hire some independent ( overseas? ) group to set up their reports. They're now paying another $8,000 to fix that mistake…


Pros
- included
- it's Excel so it must be easy
- no additional var fee to resell
- lots of experienced users for questions

Cons
- Sage seems to have fallen out of love with the product and I question it's long term future
- it's Excel which means people design Frankenstein-spreadsheets
- it can be slow
- it's Excel - setup ( surprisingly ) can be finicky ( not always but enough to be annoying )
- customers view it as DIY and they won't call until "the car is almost over the cliff" then you'll become the unpaid search and rescue ( unless you spent some time up front giving them options for your assistance and speaking out your rescue fee)
- pricing and capabilities are confusing as to what features are included and what's extra - so you'll probably end up on the $99 a month plan ( spoiler: Sage is hit or miss on explaining this too )
- it's Excel - no customer feels like they should pay you for helping them with Excel - whether it's the initial research, the setup or the debugging



---------------------------------
Wayne Schulz - Schulz Consulting - 860-516-8990

I'd avoid any NEW SI reporting projects until such time as Sage provides assurance that they are going to continue to promote and support SI. I think projects with SI for users who have ALREADY developed their reporting in SI are fine. I just wouldn't start any new large projects for fear that Sage may discontinue SI support.

Please note, I have no information that Sage is or might or will discontinue to support SI other than hearing Sage mention that they were exploring whether SDA might be a suitable replacement. The fact that SI hasn't been substantially upgraded in many years is a big hint of what's coming, in my opinion.

As always, YMMV.

------------------------------
Wayne Schulz
Schulz Consulting
860-516-8990
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 11-16-2021 09:42
From: Brian Kelly
Subject: Financial Reporting Sage Intelligence vs Sage Data & Analytics

Thank you @Wayne Schulz and @Doug Higgs - this is extremely helpful, and it appears to validate my message to the customer (whenever I deliver it).  Also, since SI and F9 are both Excel-based reporting tools, I'm guessing converting the reports to SI could be done by simply changing all the formulas in the F9 template and saving it as an SI template/report.  My feeling is that rewriting the reports will probably take just as much time, so it probably doesn't really matter.​​

------------------------------
Brian Kelly
Accounting Systems, Inc. (ASI)
Columbia SC
803-454-6262
http://www.asifocus.com/
------------------------------


Original Message:
Sent: 11-16-2021 09:29
From: Doug Higgs
Subject: Financial Reporting Sage Intelligence vs Sage Data & Analytics

@Brian Kelly  Check out this web site.  It indicates F9 is supported in Sage 100 v2021 and you can download a free trial.  I used to work with F9 a lot but stopped when other alternatives became available.  I always liked it and wouldn't hesitate to use it again particularly if Sage stops supporting SI.

https://www.f9.com/erps/erp-sage
​

------------------------------
Doug Higgs
Midwest Commerce Solutions, Inc
(312) 315-0960
Chauffeur, Chef, and Personal Assistant to Sprinkles


Original Message:
Sent: 11-16-2021 09:21
From: Brian Kelly
Subject: Financial Reporting Sage Intelligence vs Sage Data & Analytics

@alan niergarth Do you know if F9 still works with Sage 100 v2021?  We have a customer (I use that term loosely) who teases us with upgrading every few years and then goes dark.  They are currently running v4.30, and they claim to be serious "this time".  They have F9 and a lot of reports.  I told the customer I don't know if F9 works with v2021, and we have zero experience with it.  If it does still work, the plan is to perform the upgrade and let the customer deal with F9.  If F9 does not work out, then we can convert all the reports to SI.  Any feedback or insight is much appreciated.​

------------------------------
Brian Kelly
Accounting Systems, Inc. (ASI)
Columbia SC
803-454-6262
http://www.asifocus.com/


Original Message:
Sent: 10-12-2021 16:39
From: alan niergarth
Subject: Financial Reporting Sage Intelligence vs Sage Data & Analytics

We have a few companies using F9 (half dozen?) instead of SI.  The remainder use either the Standard Financials or SI.  No-one has bought F9 new in the last 5 years.  All holdouts from the past.  Slight change of subject - What about Budgeting?  There is a gap there.

------------------------------
alan niergarth
Velosio LLC


Original Message:
Sent: 10-11-2021 16:48
From: Brett Zimmerman
Subject: Financial Reporting Sage Intelligence vs Sage Data & Analytics

I'm curious what our Group has be seeing as far as what folks are using instead of Sage Intelligence (SI), e.g. BizInsight/BizNet, Renovo, F9, FRx, 'standard' Financials in Sage 100, 'custom financials' in Sage 100, Excel...

------------------------------
Brett Zimmerman
Net at Work
Greater Boston Area


Original Message:
Sent: 07-02-2021 11:34
From: Wayne Schulz
Subject: Financial Reporting Sage Intelligence vs Sage Data & Analytics

@Lourdes Sobrino I took the SI live courses ( Int and Adv ) at Sage U and felt like they got me 90% to where I was comfortable working with the solution. It definitely gives you enough to demo it. That last 10% of knowledge all comes from having some in-depth projects that you are involved with. Unfortunately, I haven't had customers who wanted to pay me for developing reports for them.


------------------------------
Wayne Schulz - Schulz Consulting - 860-516-8990


Original Message:
Sent: 07-02-2021 10:53
From: Lourdes Sobrino
Subject: Financial Reporting Sage Intelligence vs Sage Data & Analytics

Just wanted a confirmation....taking the SI Financials training over the weekend....

------------------------------
Lourdes Sobrino
LU² DSD Puerto Rico
Guaynabo Puerto Rico
787.485.9638


Original Message:
Sent: 07-02-2021 10:48
From: alan niergarth
Subject: Financial Reporting Sage Intelligence vs Sage Data & Analytics

Good synopsis @Wayne Schulz.  We've been pretty successful with SI for financials with our clients.  We still have a couple of F9 holdouts.​

------------------------------
alan niergarth
Velosio LLC


Original Message:
Sent: 07-01-2021 09:07
From: Wayne Schulz
Subject: Financial Reporting Sage Intelligence vs Sage Data & Analytics

Sage Intelligence is included with almost all versions of Sage licenses. Last I checked it was $99/mo for a subscription should you need unlimited licensing ( viewer & designer ? )

I have always led with the included SI so as to avoid the "why did we buy x when SI is included?"

9.5 out of 10 of my customers declined any setup assistance. About 50% seem to regret it. One went so far as to hire some independent ( overseas? ) group to set up their reports. They're now paying another $8,000 to fix that mistake…


Pros
- included
- it's Excel so it must be easy
- no additional var fee to resell
- lots of experienced users for questions

Cons
- Sage seems to have fallen out of love with the product and I question it's long term future
- it's Excel which means people design Frankenstein-spreadsheets
- it can be slow
- it's Excel - setup ( surprisingly ) can be finicky ( not always but enough to be annoying )
- customers view it as DIY and they won't call until "the car is almost over the cliff" then you'll become the unpaid search and rescue ( unless you spent some time up front giving them options for your assistance and speaking out your rescue fee)
- pricing and capabilities are confusing as to what features are included and what's extra - so you'll probably end up on the $99 a month plan ( spoiler: Sage is hit or miss on explaining this too )
- it's Excel - no customer feels like they should pay you for helping them with Excel - whether it's the initial research, the setup or the debugging



---------------------------------
Wayne Schulz - Schulz Consulting - 860-516-8990

@Wayne Schulz  I am struggling with this decision right now.  I have a new logo Sage 100 customer.  They are changing from Platinum / FRx.  Currently I am importing monthly GL balances.  The next step is to create financial statements that look the same as FRx.  I seem to remember that there may be a FRx to SI conversion tool but not sure.  I certainly don't want to put a bunch of work into Si to find out that support stops in two years.  I am strongly considering recommending we go with F9 as it has been around for 30+ years and is supported on many different systems.

------------------------------
Doug Higgs
Midwest Commerce Solutions, Inc
(312) 315-0960
Chauffeur, Chef, and Personal Assistant to Sprinkles
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 11-16-2021 09:50
From: Wayne Schulz
Subject: Financial Reporting Sage Intelligence vs Sage Data & Analytics

I'd avoid any NEW SI reporting projects until such time as Sage provides assurance that they are going to continue to promote and support SI. I think projects with SI for users who have ALREADY developed their reporting in SI are fine. I just wouldn't start any new large projects for fear that Sage may discontinue SI support.

Please note, I have no information that Sage is or might or will discontinue to support SI other than hearing Sage mention that they were exploring whether SDA might be a suitable replacement. The fact that SI hasn't been substantially upgraded in many years is a big hint of what's coming, in my opinion.

As always, YMMV.

------------------------------
Wayne Schulz
Schulz Consulting
860-516-8990
------------------------------


Original Message:
Sent: 11-16-2021 09:42
From: Brian Kelly
Subject: Financial Reporting Sage Intelligence vs Sage Data & Analytics

Thank you @Wayne Schulz and @Doug Higgs - this is extremely helpful, and it appears to validate my message to the customer (whenever I deliver it).  Also, since SI and F9 are both Excel-based reporting tools, I'm guessing converting the reports to SI could be done by simply changing all the formulas in the F9 template and saving it as an SI template/report.  My feeling is that rewriting the reports will probably take just as much time, so it probably doesn't really matter.​​

------------------------------
Brian Kelly
Accounting Systems, Inc. (ASI)
Columbia SC
803-454-6262
http://www.asifocus.com/


Original Message:
Sent: 11-16-2021 09:29
From: Doug Higgs
Subject: Financial Reporting Sage Intelligence vs Sage Data & Analytics

@Brian Kelly  Check out this web site.  It indicates F9 is supported in Sage 100 v2021 and you can download a free trial.  I used to work with F9 a lot but stopped when other alternatives became available.  I always liked it and wouldn't hesitate to use it again particularly if Sage stops supporting SI.

https://www.f9.com/erps/erp-sage
​

------------------------------
Doug Higgs
Midwest Commerce Solutions, Inc
(312) 315-0960
Chauffeur, Chef, and Personal Assistant to Sprinkles


Original Message:
Sent: 11-16-2021 09:21
From: Brian Kelly
Subject: Financial Reporting Sage Intelligence vs Sage Data & Analytics

@alan niergarth Do you know if F9 still works with Sage 100 v2021?  We have a customer (I use that term loosely) who teases us with upgrading every few years and then goes dark.  They are currently running v4.30, and they claim to be serious "this time".  They have F9 and a lot of reports.  I told the customer I don't know if F9 works with v2021, and we have zero experience with it.  If it does still work, the plan is to perform the upgrade and let the customer deal with F9.  If F9 does not work out, then we can convert all the reports to SI.  Any feedback or insight is much appreciated.​

------------------------------
Brian Kelly
Accounting Systems, Inc. (ASI)
Columbia SC
803-454-6262
http://www.asifocus.com/


Original Message:
Sent: 10-12-2021 16:39
From: alan niergarth
Subject: Financial Reporting Sage Intelligence vs Sage Data & Analytics

We have a few companies using F9 (half dozen?) instead of SI.  The remainder use either the Standard Financials or SI.  No-one has bought F9 new in the last 5 years.  All holdouts from the past.  Slight change of subject - What about Budgeting?  There is a gap there.

------------------------------
alan niergarth
Velosio LLC


Original Message:
Sent: 10-11-2021 16:48
From: Brett Zimmerman
Subject: Financial Reporting Sage Intelligence vs Sage Data & Analytics

I'm curious what our Group has be seeing as far as what folks are using instead of Sage Intelligence (SI), e.g. BizInsight/BizNet, Renovo, F9, FRx, 'standard' Financials in Sage 100, 'custom financials' in Sage 100, Excel...

------------------------------
Brett Zimmerman
Net at Work
Greater Boston Area


Original Message:
Sent: 07-02-2021 11:34
From: Wayne Schulz
Subject: Financial Reporting Sage Intelligence vs Sage Data & Analytics

@Lourdes Sobrino I took the SI live courses ( Int and Adv ) at Sage U and felt like they got me 90% to where I was comfortable working with the solution. It definitely gives you enough to demo it. That last 10% of knowledge all comes from having some in-depth projects that you are involved with. Unfortunately, I haven't had customers who wanted to pay me for developing reports for them.


------------------------------
Wayne Schulz - Schulz Consulting - 860-516-8990


Original Message:
Sent: 07-02-2021 10:53
From: Lourdes Sobrino
Subject: Financial Reporting Sage Intelligence vs Sage Data & Analytics

Just wanted a confirmation....taking the SI Financials training over the weekend....

------------------------------
Lourdes Sobrino
LU² DSD Puerto Rico
Guaynabo Puerto Rico
787.485.9638


Original Message:
Sent: 07-02-2021 10:48
From: alan niergarth
Subject: Financial Reporting Sage Intelligence vs Sage Data & Analytics

Good synopsis @Wayne Schulz.  We've been pretty successful with SI for financials with our clients.  We still have a couple of F9 holdouts.​

------------------------------
alan niergarth
Velosio LLC


Original Message:
Sent: 07-01-2021 09:07
From: Wayne Schulz
Subject: Financial Reporting Sage Intelligence vs Sage Data & Analytics

Sage Intelligence is included with almost all versions of Sage licenses. Last I checked it was $99/mo for a subscription should you need unlimited licensing ( viewer & designer ? )

I have always led with the included SI so as to avoid the "why did we buy x when SI is included?"

9.5 out of 10 of my customers declined any setup assistance. About 50% seem to regret it. One went so far as to hire some independent ( overseas? ) group to set up their reports. They're now paying another $8,000 to fix that mistake…


Pros
- included
- it's Excel so it must be easy
- no additional var fee to resell
- lots of experienced users for questions

Cons
- Sage seems to have fallen out of love with the product and I question it's long term future
- it's Excel which means people design Frankenstein-spreadsheets
- it can be slow
- it's Excel - setup ( surprisingly ) can be finicky ( not always but enough to be annoying )
- customers view it as DIY and they won't call until "the car is almost over the cliff" then you'll become the unpaid search and rescue ( unless you spent some time up front giving them options for your assistance and speaking out your rescue fee)
- pricing and capabilities are confusing as to what features are included and what's extra - so you'll probably end up on the $99 a month plan ( spoiler: Sage is hit or miss on explaining this too )
- it's Excel - no customer feels like they should pay you for helping them with Excel - whether it's the initial research, the setup or the debugging



---------------------------------
Wayne Schulz - Schulz Consulting - 860-516-8990

I called Sage Support for an issue on Sage Intelligence and took the opportunity to ask if SI would be going away - he said yes.  I'm certain this not the official word, though.

------------------------------
Michelle Taylor
ERP Consulting Manager, CS3 Technology
918-388-9772
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 11-16-2021 09:50
From: Wayne Schulz
Subject: Financial Reporting Sage Intelligence vs Sage Data & Analytics

I'd avoid any NEW SI reporting projects until such time as Sage provides assurance that they are going to continue to promote and support SI. I think projects with SI for users who have ALREADY developed their reporting in SI are fine. I just wouldn't start any new large projects for fear that Sage may discontinue SI support.

Please note, I have no information that Sage is or might or will discontinue to support SI other than hearing Sage mention that they were exploring whether SDA might be a suitable replacement. The fact that SI hasn't been substantially upgraded in many years is a big hint of what's coming, in my opinion.

As always, YMMV.

------------------------------
Wayne Schulz
Schulz Consulting
860-516-8990
------------------------------


Original Message:
Sent: 11-16-2021 09:42
From: Brian Kelly
Subject: Financial Reporting Sage Intelligence vs Sage Data & Analytics

Thank you @Wayne Schulz and @Doug Higgs - this is extremely helpful, and it appears to validate my message to the customer (whenever I deliver it).  Also, since SI and F9 are both Excel-based reporting tools, I'm guessing converting the reports to SI could be done by simply changing all the formulas in the F9 template and saving it as an SI template/report.  My feeling is that rewriting the reports will probably take just as much time, so it probably doesn't really matter.​​

------------------------------
Brian Kelly
Accounting Systems, Inc. (ASI)
Columbia SC
803-454-6262
http://www.asifocus.com/


Original Message:
Sent: 11-16-2021 09:29
From: Doug Higgs
Subject: Financial Reporting Sage Intelligence vs Sage Data & Analytics

@Brian Kelly  Check out this web site.  It indicates F9 is supported in Sage 100 v2021 and you can download a free trial.  I used to work with F9 a lot but stopped when other alternatives became available.  I always liked it and wouldn't hesitate to use it again particularly if Sage stops supporting SI.

https://www.f9.com/erps/erp-sage
​

------------------------------
Doug Higgs
Midwest Commerce Solutions, Inc
(312) 315-0960
Chauffeur, Chef, and Personal Assistant to Sprinkles


Original Message:
Sent: 11-16-2021 09:21
From: Brian Kelly
Subject: Financial Reporting Sage Intelligence vs Sage Data & Analytics

@alan niergarth Do you know if F9 still works with Sage 100 v2021?  We have a customer (I use that term loosely) who teases us with upgrading every few years and then goes dark.  They are currently running v4.30, and they claim to be serious "this time".  They have F9 and a lot of reports.  I told the customer I don't know if F9 works with v2021, and we have zero experience with it.  If it does still work, the plan is to perform the upgrade and let the customer deal with F9.  If F9 does not work out, then we can convert all the reports to SI.  Any feedback or insight is much appreciated.​

------------------------------
Brian Kelly
Accounting Systems, Inc. (ASI)
Columbia SC
803-454-6262
http://www.asifocus.com/


Original Message:
Sent: 10-12-2021 16:39
From: alan niergarth
Subject: Financial Reporting Sage Intelligence vs Sage Data & Analytics

We have a few companies using F9 (half dozen?) instead of SI.  The remainder use either the Standard Financials or SI.  No-one has bought F9 new in the last 5 years.  All holdouts from the past.  Slight change of subject - What about Budgeting?  There is a gap there.

------------------------------
alan niergarth
Velosio LLC


Original Message:
Sent: 10-11-2021 16:48
From: Brett Zimmerman
Subject: Financial Reporting Sage Intelligence vs Sage Data & Analytics

I'm curious what our Group has be seeing as far as what folks are using instead of Sage Intelligence (SI), e.g. BizInsight/BizNet, Renovo, F9, FRx, 'standard' Financials in Sage 100, 'custom financials' in Sage 100, Excel...

------------------------------
Brett Zimmerman
Net at Work
Greater Boston Area


Original Message:
Sent: 07-02-2021 11:34
From: Wayne Schulz
Subject: Financial Reporting Sage Intelligence vs Sage Data & Analytics

@Lourdes Sobrino I took the SI live courses ( Int and Adv ) at Sage U and felt like they got me 90% to where I was comfortable working with the solution. It definitely gives you enough to demo it. That last 10% of knowledge all comes from having some in-depth projects that you are involved with. Unfortunately, I haven't had customers who wanted to pay me for developing reports for them.


------------------------------
Wayne Schulz - Schulz Consulting - 860-516-8990


Original Message:
Sent: 07-02-2021 10:53
From: Lourdes Sobrino
Subject: Financial Reporting Sage Intelligence vs Sage Data & Analytics

Just wanted a confirmation....taking the SI Financials training over the weekend....

------------------------------
Lourdes Sobrino
LU² DSD Puerto Rico
Guaynabo Puerto Rico
787.485.9638


Original Message:
Sent: 07-02-2021 10:48
From: alan niergarth
Subject: Financial Reporting Sage Intelligence vs Sage Data & Analytics

Good synopsis @Wayne Schulz.  We've been pretty successful with SI for financials with our clients.  We still have a couple of F9 holdouts.​

------------------------------
alan niergarth
Velosio LLC


Original Message:
Sent: 07-01-2021 09:07
From: Wayne Schulz
Subject: Financial Reporting Sage Intelligence vs Sage Data & Analytics

Sage Intelligence is included with almost all versions of Sage licenses. Last I checked it was $99/mo for a subscription should you need unlimited licensing ( viewer & designer ? )

I have always led with the included SI so as to avoid the "why did we buy x when SI is included?"

9.5 out of 10 of my customers declined any setup assistance. About 50% seem to regret it. One went so far as to hire some independent ( overseas? ) group to set up their reports. They're now paying another $8,000 to fix that mistake…


Pros
- included
- it's Excel so it must be easy
- no additional var fee to resell
- lots of experienced users for questions

Cons
- Sage seems to have fallen out of love with the product and I question it's long term future
- it's Excel which means people design Frankenstein-spreadsheets
- it can be slow
- it's Excel - setup ( surprisingly ) can be finicky ( not always but enough to be annoying )
- customers view it as DIY and they won't call until "the car is almost over the cliff" then you'll become the unpaid search and rescue ( unless you spent some time up front giving them options for your assistance and speaking out your rescue fee)
- pricing and capabilities are confusing as to what features are included and what's extra - so you'll probably end up on the $99 a month plan ( spoiler: Sage is hit or miss on explaining this too )
- it's Excel - no customer feels like they should pay you for helping them with Excel - whether it's the initial research, the setup or the debugging



---------------------------------
Wayne Schulz - Schulz Consulting - 860-516-8990

Nothing builds trust better than transparency.

------------------------------
Doug Higgs
Midwest Commerce Solutions, Inc
(312) 315-0960
Chauffeur, Chef, and Personal Assistant to Sprinkles
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 11-16-2021 12:48
From: Michelle Taylor
Subject: Financial Reporting Sage Intelligence vs Sage Data & Analytics

I called Sage Support for an issue on Sage Intelligence and took the opportunity to ask if SI would be going away - he said yes.  I'm certain this not the official word, though.

------------------------------
Michelle Taylor
ERP Consulting Manager, CS3 Technology
918-388-9772
------------------------------


Original Message:
Sent: 11-16-2021 09:50
From: Wayne Schulz
Subject: Financial Reporting Sage Intelligence vs Sage Data & Analytics

I'd avoid any NEW SI reporting projects until such time as Sage provides assurance that they are going to continue to promote and support SI. I think projects with SI for users who have ALREADY developed their reporting in SI are fine. I just wouldn't start any new large projects for fear that Sage may discontinue SI support.

Please note, I have no information that Sage is or might or will discontinue to support SI other than hearing Sage mention that they were exploring whether SDA might be a suitable replacement. The fact that SI hasn't been substantially upgraded in many years is a big hint of what's coming, in my opinion.

As always, YMMV.

------------------------------
Wayne Schulz
Schulz Consulting
860-516-8990


Original Message:
Sent: 11-16-2021 09:42
From: Brian Kelly
Subject: Financial Reporting Sage Intelligence vs Sage Data & Analytics

Thank you @Wayne Schulz and @Doug Higgs - this is extremely helpful, and it appears to validate my message to the customer (whenever I deliver it).  Also, since SI and F9 are both Excel-based reporting tools, I'm guessing converting the reports to SI could be done by simply changing all the formulas in the F9 template and saving it as an SI template/report.  My feeling is that rewriting the reports will probably take just as much time, so it probably doesn't really matter.​​

------------------------------
Brian Kelly
Accounting Systems, Inc. (ASI)
Columbia SC
803-454-6262
http://www.asifocus.com/


Original Message:
Sent: 11-16-2021 09:29
From: Doug Higgs
Subject: Financial Reporting Sage Intelligence vs Sage Data & Analytics

@Brian Kelly  Check out this web site.  It indicates F9 is supported in Sage 100 v2021 and you can download a free trial.  I used to work with F9 a lot but stopped when other alternatives became available.  I always liked it and wouldn't hesitate to use it again particularly if Sage stops supporting SI.

https://www.f9.com/erps/erp-sage
​

------------------------------
Doug Higgs
Midwest Commerce Solutions, Inc
(312) 315-0960
Chauffeur, Chef, and Personal Assistant to Sprinkles


Original Message:
Sent: 11-16-2021 09:21
From: Brian Kelly
Subject: Financial Reporting Sage Intelligence vs Sage Data & Analytics

@alan niergarth Do you know if F9 still works with Sage 100 v2021?  We have a customer (I use that term loosely) who teases us with upgrading every few years and then goes dark.  They are currently running v4.30, and they claim to be serious "this time".  They have F9 and a lot of reports.  I told the customer I don't know if F9 works with v2021, and we have zero experience with it.  If it does still work, the plan is to perform the upgrade and let the customer deal with F9.  If F9 does not work out, then we can convert all the reports to SI.  Any feedback or insight is much appreciated.​

------------------------------
Brian Kelly
Accounting Systems, Inc. (ASI)
Columbia SC
803-454-6262
http://www.asifocus.com/


Original Message:
Sent: 10-12-2021 16:39
From: alan niergarth
Subject: Financial Reporting Sage Intelligence vs Sage Data & Analytics

We have a few companies using F9 (half dozen?) instead of SI.  The remainder use either the Standard Financials or SI.  No-one has bought F9 new in the last 5 years.  All holdouts from the past.  Slight change of subject - What about Budgeting?  There is a gap there.

------------------------------
alan niergarth
Velosio LLC


Original Message:
Sent: 10-11-2021 16:48
From: Brett Zimmerman
Subject: Financial Reporting Sage Intelligence vs Sage Data & Analytics

I'm curious what our Group has be seeing as far as what folks are using instead of Sage Intelligence (SI), e.g. BizInsight/BizNet, Renovo, F9, FRx, 'standard' Financials in Sage 100, 'custom financials' in Sage 100, Excel...

------------------------------
Brett Zimmerman
Net at Work
Greater Boston Area


Original Message:
Sent: 07-02-2021 11:34
From: Wayne Schulz
Subject: Financial Reporting Sage Intelligence vs Sage Data & Analytics

@Lourdes Sobrino I took the SI live courses ( Int and Adv ) at Sage U and felt like they got me 90% to where I was comfortable working with the solution. It definitely gives you enough to demo it. That last 10% of knowledge all comes from having some in-depth projects that you are involved with. Unfortunately, I haven't had customers who wanted to pay me for developing reports for them.


------------------------------
Wayne Schulz - Schulz Consulting - 860-516-8990


Original Message:
Sent: 07-02-2021 10:53
From: Lourdes Sobrino
Subject: Financial Reporting Sage Intelligence vs Sage Data & Analytics

Just wanted a confirmation....taking the SI Financials training over the weekend....

------------------------------
Lourdes Sobrino
LU² DSD Puerto Rico
Guaynabo Puerto Rico
787.485.9638


Original Message:
Sent: 07-02-2021 10:48
From: alan niergarth
Subject: Financial Reporting Sage Intelligence vs Sage Data & Analytics

Good synopsis @Wayne Schulz.  We've been pretty successful with SI for financials with our clients.  We still have a couple of F9 holdouts.​

------------------------------
alan niergarth
Velosio LLC


Original Message:
Sent: 07-01-2021 09:07
From: Wayne Schulz
Subject: Financial Reporting Sage Intelligence vs Sage Data & Analytics

Sage Intelligence is included with almost all versions of Sage licenses. Last I checked it was $99/mo for a subscription should you need unlimited licensing ( viewer & designer ? )

I have always led with the included SI so as to avoid the "why did we buy x when SI is included?"

9.5 out of 10 of my customers declined any setup assistance. About 50% seem to regret it. One went so far as to hire some independent ( overseas? ) group to set up their reports. They're now paying another $8,000 to fix that mistake…


Pros
- included
- it's Excel so it must be easy
- no additional var fee to resell
- lots of experienced users for questions

Cons
- Sage seems to have fallen out of love with the product and I question it's long term future
- it's Excel which means people design Frankenstein-spreadsheets
- it can be slow
- it's Excel - setup ( surprisingly ) can be finicky ( not always but enough to be annoying )
- customers view it as DIY and they won't call until "the car is almost over the cliff" then you'll become the unpaid search and rescue ( unless you spent some time up front giving them options for your assistance and speaking out your rescue fee)
- pricing and capabilities are confusing as to what features are included and what's extra - so you'll probably end up on the $99 a month plan ( spoiler: Sage is hit or miss on explaining this too )
- it's Excel - no customer feels like they should pay you for helping them with Excel - whether it's the initial research, the setup or the debugging



---------------------------------
Wayne Schulz - Schulz Consulting - 860-516-8990

Yesterday I mentioned to my customers that change of platform cost on 2022…
Reply from customer…… Does Sage modify their pricing structure every year?????

------------------------------
Lourdes Sobrino
LU² DSD Puerto Rico
Guaynabo Puerto Rico
787.485.9638
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 11-16-2021 12:57
From: Doug Higgs
Subject: Financial Reporting Sage Intelligence vs Sage Data & Analytics

Nothing builds trust better than transparency.

------------------------------
Doug Higgs
Midwest Commerce Solutions, Inc
(312) 315-0960
Chauffeur, Chef, and Personal Assistant to Sprinkles
------------------------------


Original Message:
Sent: 11-16-2021 12:48
From: Michelle Taylor
Subject: Financial Reporting Sage Intelligence vs Sage Data & Analytics

I called Sage Support for an issue on Sage Intelligence and took the opportunity to ask if SI would be going away - he said yes.  I'm certain this not the official word, though.

------------------------------
Michelle Taylor
ERP Consulting Manager, CS3 Technology
918-388-9772


Original Message:
Sent: 11-16-2021 09:50
From: Wayne Schulz
Subject: Financial Reporting Sage Intelligence vs Sage Data & Analytics

I'd avoid any NEW SI reporting projects until such time as Sage provides assurance that they are going to continue to promote and support SI. I think projects with SI for users who have ALREADY developed their reporting in SI are fine. I just wouldn't start any new large projects for fear that Sage may discontinue SI support.

Please note, I have no information that Sage is or might or will discontinue to support SI other than hearing Sage mention that they were exploring whether SDA might be a suitable replacement. The fact that SI hasn't been substantially upgraded in many years is a big hint of what's coming, in my opinion.

As always, YMMV.

------------------------------
Wayne Schulz
Schulz Consulting
860-516-8990


Original Message:
Sent: 11-16-2021 09:42
From: Brian Kelly
Subject: Financial Reporting Sage Intelligence vs Sage Data & Analytics

Thank you @Wayne Schulz and @Doug Higgs - this is extremely helpful, and it appears to validate my message to the customer (whenever I deliver it).  Also, since SI and F9 are both Excel-based reporting tools, I'm guessing converting the reports to SI could be done by simply changing all the formulas in the F9 template and saving it as an SI template/report.  My feeling is that rewriting the reports will probably take just as much time, so it probably doesn't really matter.​​

------------------------------
Brian Kelly
Accounting Systems, Inc. (ASI)
Columbia SC
803-454-6262
http://www.asifocus.com/


Original Message:
Sent: 11-16-2021 09:29
From: Doug Higgs
Subject: Financial Reporting Sage Intelligence vs Sage Data & Analytics

@Brian Kelly  Check out this web site.  It indicates F9 is supported in Sage 100 v2021 and you can download a free trial.  I used to work with F9 a lot but stopped when other alternatives became available.  I always liked it and wouldn't hesitate to use it again particularly if Sage stops supporting SI.

https://www.f9.com/erps/erp-sage
​

------------------------------
Doug Higgs
Midwest Commerce Solutions, Inc
(312) 315-0960
Chauffeur, Chef, and Personal Assistant to Sprinkles


Original Message:
Sent: 11-16-2021 09:21
From: Brian Kelly
Subject: Financial Reporting Sage Intelligence vs Sage Data & Analytics

@alan niergarth Do you know if F9 still works with Sage 100 v2021?  We have a customer (I use that term loosely) who teases us with upgrading every few years and then goes dark.  They are currently running v4.30, and they claim to be serious "this time".  They have F9 and a lot of reports.  I told the customer I don't know if F9 works with v2021, and we have zero experience with it.  If it does still work, the plan is to perform the upgrade and let the customer deal with F9.  If F9 does not work out, then we can convert all the reports to SI.  Any feedback or insight is much appreciated.​

------------------------------
Brian Kelly
Accounting Systems, Inc. (ASI)
Columbia SC
803-454-6262
http://www.asifocus.com/


Original Message:
Sent: 10-12-2021 16:39
From: alan niergarth
Subject: Financial Reporting Sage Intelligence vs Sage Data & Analytics

We have a few companies using F9 (half dozen?) instead of SI.  The remainder use either the Standard Financials or SI.  No-one has bought F9 new in the last 5 years.  All holdouts from the past.  Slight change of subject - What about Budgeting?  There is a gap there.

------------------------------
alan niergarth
Velosio LLC


Original Message:
Sent: 10-11-2021 16:48
From: Brett Zimmerman
Subject: Financial Reporting Sage Intelligence vs Sage Data & Analytics

I'm curious what our Group has be seeing as far as what folks are using instead of Sage Intelligence (SI), e.g. BizInsight/BizNet, Renovo, F9, FRx, 'standard' Financials in Sage 100, 'custom financials' in Sage 100, Excel...

------------------------------
Brett Zimmerman
Net at Work
Greater Boston Area


Original Message:
Sent: 07-02-2021 11:34
From: Wayne Schulz
Subject: Financial Reporting Sage Intelligence vs Sage Data & Analytics

@Lourdes Sobrino I took the SI live courses ( Int and Adv ) at Sage U and felt like they got me 90% to where I was comfortable working with the solution. It definitely gives you enough to demo it. That last 10% of knowledge all comes from having some in-depth projects that you are involved with. Unfortunately, I haven't had customers who wanted to pay me for developing reports for them.


------------------------------
Wayne Schulz - Schulz Consulting - 860-516-8990


Original Message:
Sent: 07-02-2021 10:53
From: Lourdes Sobrino
Subject: Financial Reporting Sage Intelligence vs Sage Data & Analytics

Just wanted a confirmation....taking the SI Financials training over the weekend....

------------------------------
Lourdes Sobrino
LU² DSD Puerto Rico
Guaynabo Puerto Rico
787.485.9638


Original Message:
Sent: 07-02-2021 10:48
From: alan niergarth
Subject: Financial Reporting Sage Intelligence vs Sage Data & Analytics

Good synopsis @Wayne Schulz.  We've been pretty successful with SI for financials with our clients.  We still have a couple of F9 holdouts.​

------------------------------
alan niergarth
Velosio LLC


Original Message:
Sent: 07-01-2021 09:07
From: Wayne Schulz
Subject: Financial Reporting Sage Intelligence vs Sage Data & Analytics

Sage Intelligence is included with almost all versions of Sage licenses. Last I checked it was $99/mo for a subscription should you need unlimited licensing ( viewer & designer ? )

I have always led with the included SI so as to avoid the "why did we buy x when SI is included?"

9.5 out of 10 of my customers declined any setup assistance. About 50% seem to regret it. One went so far as to hire some independent ( overseas? ) group to set up their reports. They're now paying another $8,000 to fix that mistake…


Pros
- included
- it's Excel so it must be easy
- no additional var fee to resell
- lots of experienced users for questions

Cons
- Sage seems to have fallen out of love with the product and I question it's long term future
- it's Excel which means people design Frankenstein-spreadsheets
- it can be slow
- it's Excel - setup ( surprisingly ) can be finicky ( not always but enough to be annoying )
- customers view it as DIY and they won't call until "the car is almost over the cliff" then you'll become the unpaid search and rescue ( unless you spent some time up front giving them options for your assistance and speaking out your rescue fee)
- pricing and capabilities are confusing as to what features are included and what's extra - so you'll probably end up on the $99 a month plan ( spoiler: Sage is hit or miss on explaining this too )
- it's Excel - no customer feels like they should pay you for helping them with Excel - whether it's the initial research, the setup or the debugging



---------------------------------
Wayne Schulz - Schulz Consulting - 860-516-8990

Sage really needs to be forthcoming on this one.  None of our clients that converted from F9 to SI say they are sorry after the reports are up and running in SI.  None have wanted to "go back".  Refreshing reports after making formula changes is faster in SI.

------------------------------
alan niergarth
Velosio LLC
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 11-16-2021 12:57
From: Doug Higgs
Subject: Financial Reporting Sage Intelligence vs Sage Data & Analytics

Nothing builds trust better than transparency.

------------------------------
Doug Higgs
Midwest Commerce Solutions, Inc
(312) 315-0960
Chauffeur, Chef, and Personal Assistant to Sprinkles
------------------------------


Original Message:
Sent: 11-16-2021 12:48
From: Michelle Taylor
Subject: Financial Reporting Sage Intelligence vs Sage Data & Analytics

I called Sage Support for an issue on Sage Intelligence and took the opportunity to ask if SI would be going away - he said yes.  I'm certain this not the official word, though.

------------------------------
Michelle Taylor
ERP Consulting Manager, CS3 Technology
918-388-9772


Original Message:
Sent: 11-16-2021 09:50
From: Wayne Schulz
Subject: Financial Reporting Sage Intelligence vs Sage Data & Analytics

I'd avoid any NEW SI reporting projects until such time as Sage provides assurance that they are going to continue to promote and support SI. I think projects with SI for users who have ALREADY developed their reporting in SI are fine. I just wouldn't start any new large projects for fear that Sage may discontinue SI support.

Please note, I have no information that Sage is or might or will discontinue to support SI other than hearing Sage mention that they were exploring whether SDA might be a suitable replacement. The fact that SI hasn't been substantially upgraded in many years is a big hint of what's coming, in my opinion.

As always, YMMV.

------------------------------
Wayne Schulz
Schulz Consulting
860-516-8990


Original Message:
Sent: 11-16-2021 09:42
From: Brian Kelly
Subject: Financial Reporting Sage Intelligence vs Sage Data & Analytics

Thank you @Wayne Schulz and @Doug Higgs - this is extremely helpful, and it appears to validate my message to the customer (whenever I deliver it).  Also, since SI and F9 are both Excel-based reporting tools, I'm guessing converting the reports to SI could be done by simply changing all the formulas in the F9 template and saving it as an SI template/report.  My feeling is that rewriting the reports will probably take just as much time, so it probably doesn't really matter.​​

------------------------------
Brian Kelly
Accounting Systems, Inc. (ASI)
Columbia SC
803-454-6262
http://www.asifocus.com/


Original Message:
Sent: 11-16-2021 09:29
From: Doug Higgs
Subject: Financial Reporting Sage Intelligence vs Sage Data & Analytics

@Brian Kelly  Check out this web site.  It indicates F9 is supported in Sage 100 v2021 and you can download a free trial.  I used to work with F9 a lot but stopped when other alternatives became available.  I always liked it and wouldn't hesitate to use it again particularly if Sage stops supporting SI.

https://www.f9.com/erps/erp-sage
​

------------------------------
Doug Higgs
Midwest Commerce Solutions, Inc
(312) 315-0960
Chauffeur, Chef, and Personal Assistant to Sprinkles


Original Message:
Sent: 11-16-2021 09:21
From: Brian Kelly
Subject: Financial Reporting Sage Intelligence vs Sage Data & Analytics

@alan niergarth Do you know if F9 still works with Sage 100 v2021?  We have a customer (I use that term loosely) who teases us with upgrading every few years and then goes dark.  They are currently running v4.30, and they claim to be serious "this time".  They have F9 and a lot of reports.  I told the customer I don't know if F9 works with v2021, and we have zero experience with it.  If it does still work, the plan is to perform the upgrade and let the customer deal with F9.  If F9 does not work out, then we can convert all the reports to SI.  Any feedback or insight is much appreciated.​

------------------------------
Brian Kelly
Accounting Systems, Inc. (ASI)
Columbia SC
803-454-6262
http://www.asifocus.com/


Original Message:
Sent: 10-12-2021 16:39
From: alan niergarth
Subject: Financial Reporting Sage Intelligence vs Sage Data & Analytics

We have a few companies using F9 (half dozen?) instead of SI.  The remainder use either the Standard Financials or SI.  No-one has bought F9 new in the last 5 years.  All holdouts from the past.  Slight change of subject - What about Budgeting?  There is a gap there.

------------------------------
alan niergarth
Velosio LLC


Original Message:
Sent: 10-11-2021 16:48
From: Brett Zimmerman
Subject: Financial Reporting Sage Intelligence vs Sage Data & Analytics

I'm curious what our Group has be seeing as far as what folks are using instead of Sage Intelligence (SI), e.g. BizInsight/BizNet, Renovo, F9, FRx, 'standard' Financials in Sage 100, 'custom financials' in Sage 100, Excel...

------------------------------
Brett Zimmerman
Net at Work
Greater Boston Area


Original Message:
Sent: 07-02-2021 11:34
From: Wayne Schulz
Subject: Financial Reporting Sage Intelligence vs Sage Data & Analytics

@Lourdes Sobrino I took the SI live courses ( Int and Adv ) at Sage U and felt like they got me 90% to where I was comfortable working with the solution. It definitely gives you enough to demo it. That last 10% of knowledge all comes from having some in-depth projects that you are involved with. Unfortunately, I haven't had customers who wanted to pay me for developing reports for them.


------------------------------
Wayne Schulz - Schulz Consulting - 860-516-8990


Original Message:
Sent: 07-02-2021 10:53
From: Lourdes Sobrino
Subject: Financial Reporting Sage Intelligence vs Sage Data & Analytics

Just wanted a confirmation....taking the SI Financials training over the weekend....

------------------------------
Lourdes Sobrino
LU² DSD Puerto Rico
Guaynabo Puerto Rico
787.485.9638


Original Message:
Sent: 07-02-2021 10:48
From: alan niergarth
Subject: Financial Reporting Sage Intelligence vs Sage Data & Analytics

Good synopsis @Wayne Schulz.  We've been pretty successful with SI for financials with our clients.  We still have a couple of F9 holdouts.​

------------------------------
alan niergarth
Velosio LLC


Original Message:
Sent: 07-01-2021 09:07
From: Wayne Schulz
Subject: Financial Reporting Sage Intelligence vs Sage Data & Analytics

Sage Intelligence is included with almost all versions of Sage licenses. Last I checked it was $99/mo for a subscription should you need unlimited licensing ( viewer & designer ? )

I have always led with the included SI so as to avoid the "why did we buy x when SI is included?"

9.5 out of 10 of my customers declined any setup assistance. About 50% seem to regret it. One went so far as to hire some independent ( overseas? ) group to set up their reports. They're now paying another $8,000 to fix that mistake…


Pros
- included
- it's Excel so it must be easy
- no additional var fee to resell
- lots of experienced users for questions

Cons
- Sage seems to have fallen out of love with the product and I question it's long term future
- it's Excel which means people design Frankenstein-spreadsheets
- it can be slow
- it's Excel - setup ( surprisingly ) can be finicky ( not always but enough to be annoying )
- customers view it as DIY and they won't call until "the car is almost over the cliff" then you'll become the unpaid search and rescue ( unless you spent some time up front giving them options for your assistance and speaking out your rescue fee)
- pricing and capabilities are confusing as to what features are included and what's extra - so you'll probably end up on the $99 a month plan ( spoiler: Sage is hit or miss on explaining this too )
- it's Excel - no customer feels like they should pay you for helping them with Excel - whether it's the initial research, the setup or the debugging



---------------------------------
Wayne Schulz - Schulz Consulting - 860-516-8990

I just did a 2021 and they used F9. My pitch to them was a mirror of your discussion.
It seems to have worked just fine.

I completely carved out the F9 portion of the upgrade and they had to take responsibility for it.

------------------------------
Wayne Schulz
Schulz Consulting
860-516-8990
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 11-16-2021 09:21
From: Brian Kelly
Subject: Financial Reporting Sage Intelligence vs Sage Data & Analytics

@alan niergarth Do you know if F9 still works with Sage 100 v2021?  We have a customer (I use that term loosely) who teases us with upgrading every few years and then goes dark.  They are currently running v4.30, and they claim to be serious "this time".  They have F9 and a lot of reports.  I told the customer I don't know if F9 works with v2021, and we have zero experience with it.  If it does still work, the plan is to perform the upgrade and let the customer deal with F9.  If F9 does not work out, then we can convert all the reports to SI.  Any feedback or insight is much appreciated.​

------------------------------
Brian Kelly
Accounting Systems, Inc. (ASI)
Columbia SC
803-454-6262
http://www.asifocus.com/
------------------------------


Original Message:
Sent: 10-12-2021 16:39
From: alan niergarth
Subject: Financial Reporting Sage Intelligence vs Sage Data & Analytics

We have a few companies using F9 (half dozen?) instead of SI.  The remainder use either the Standard Financials or SI.  No-one has bought F9 new in the last 5 years.  All holdouts from the past.  Slight change of subject - What about Budgeting?  There is a gap there.

------------------------------
alan niergarth
Velosio LLC


Original Message:
Sent: 10-11-2021 16:48
From: Brett Zimmerman
Subject: Financial Reporting Sage Intelligence vs Sage Data & Analytics

I'm curious what our Group has be seeing as far as what folks are using instead of Sage Intelligence (SI), e.g. BizInsight/BizNet, Renovo, F9, FRx, 'standard' Financials in Sage 100, 'custom financials' in Sage 100, Excel...

------------------------------
Brett Zimmerman
Net at Work
Greater Boston Area


Original Message:
Sent: 07-02-2021 11:34
From: Wayne Schulz
Subject: Financial Reporting Sage Intelligence vs Sage Data & Analytics

@Lourdes Sobrino I took the SI live courses ( Int and Adv ) at Sage U and felt like they got me 90% to where I was comfortable working with the solution. It definitely gives you enough to demo it. That last 10% of knowledge all comes from having some in-depth projects that you are involved with. Unfortunately, I haven't had customers who wanted to pay me for developing reports for them.


------------------------------
Wayne Schulz - Schulz Consulting - 860-516-8990


Original Message:
Sent: 07-02-2021 10:53
From: Lourdes Sobrino
Subject: Financial Reporting Sage Intelligence vs Sage Data & Analytics

Just wanted a confirmation....taking the SI Financials training over the weekend....

------------------------------
Lourdes Sobrino
LU² DSD Puerto Rico
Guaynabo Puerto Rico
787.485.9638


Original Message:
Sent: 07-02-2021 10:48
From: alan niergarth
Subject: Financial Reporting Sage Intelligence vs Sage Data & Analytics

Good synopsis @Wayne Schulz.  We've been pretty successful with SI for financials with our clients.  We still have a couple of F9 holdouts.​

------------------------------
alan niergarth
Velosio LLC


Original Message:
Sent: 07-01-2021 09:07
From: Wayne Schulz
Subject: Financial Reporting Sage Intelligence vs Sage Data & Analytics

Sage Intelligence is included with almost all versions of Sage licenses. Last I checked it was $99/mo for a subscription should you need unlimited licensing ( viewer & designer ? )

I have always led with the included SI so as to avoid the "why did we buy x when SI is included?"

9.5 out of 10 of my customers declined any setup assistance. About 50% seem to regret it. One went so far as to hire some independent ( overseas? ) group to set up their reports. They're now paying another $8,000 to fix that mistake…


Pros
- included
- it's Excel so it must be easy
- no additional var fee to resell
- lots of experienced users for questions

Cons
- Sage seems to have fallen out of love with the product and I question it's long term future
- it's Excel which means people design Frankenstein-spreadsheets
- it can be slow
- it's Excel - setup ( surprisingly ) can be finicky ( not always but enough to be annoying )
- customers view it as DIY and they won't call until "the car is almost over the cliff" then you'll become the unpaid search and rescue ( unless you spent some time up front giving them options for your assistance and speaking out your rescue fee)
- pricing and capabilities are confusing as to what features are included and what's extra - so you'll probably end up on the $99 a month plan ( spoiler: Sage is hit or miss on explaining this too )
- it's Excel - no customer feels like they should pay you for helping them with Excel - whether it's the initial research, the setup or the debugging



---------------------------------
Wayne Schulz - Schulz Consulting - 860-516-8990